Computer Glitch Delays Florida Exam for Thousands of Students

April 23, 2014

(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) — A computer glitch caused several Florida school districts to cancel exams Tuesday, delaying the administration of the yearly Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. More than 20,000 students across five counties were affected by the technical troubles.

Overall, 26 school districts were hit by the server crash. In Orange County, a total of 12,000 kids couldn’t take the test at all. Pearson, the company involved, claims the problem is resolved and says it is working with districts to set up make-up test dates. A national issue with Internet service is blamed.

Students prepared for the exam months in advance, leaving several parents upset with the unexpected issue on testing day.

“I wish they would have known sooner or something,” one parent said. “I always feel bad that I have to make my kids come because of the FCAT but, you know, it is what it is.”

State education leaders are threatening action against Pearson, with a letter from Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart calling the failure “inexcusable.”